Record-breaking numbers of major construction projects provide further evidence that British Columbia's economy is on the rebound, said Iain Black, Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development.

The latest Major Projects Inventory shows a record 931 major construction projects are planned or underway across the province - triple the number in 2001. The estimated value of these projects is $198.3 billion - the highest amount ever recorded.

"Major projects are creating jobs throughout British Columbia, and the record numbers are a sure sign of ongoing confidence in the province's economy," said Black.

According to the latest Major Projects Inventory, between April and June 2010: * 931 major capital projects, worth about $198.3 billion, were planned or underway across B.C. The number of projects has nearly tripled since 2001 and their value has more than quadrupled. * 28 major projects started construction, with an estimated value of $3.1 billion. The largest of these was the $966 million RCMP E-Division Headquarters in Surrey followed by the $917 million Mt. Milligan Mine in the MacKenzie region. * The capital cost of all major projects under construction in B.C. was estimated at $62.8 billion. * 14 major projects completed construction, with an estimated capital cost of about $893 million, the largest of which was the $250-million Wall Centre in Richmond. * 563 projects were proposed - the highest level on record. * Since June 2006, all regions have experienced increases in total project numbers, with increases of 114 per cent in Nechako, 95 per cent in the Cariboo and 80 per cent in the Northeast.

The Major Projects Inventory also includes 47 clean technology projects, with an estimated value of $17.2 billion, such as the $600-million Dokie Wind Farm under construction near Chetwynd and the $55-million Celgar bioenergy project underway in Castlegar. The inventory also features 96 projects that are, or are aiming to be, certified under a recognized green building rating system like LEED or Green Globes, such as the $20- million Bateman Centre at Royal Roads University in Victoria.

Published quarterly by the Ministry of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development, the Major Projects Inventory lists all major projects that are proposed, planned or underway in British Columbia. These are projects with a capital cost of at least $20 million within the Lower Mainland and projects valued at $15 million or more in the rest of B.C.

The June edition of the Major Projects Inventory is available online at www.gov.bc.ca/sted under "Reports and Publications" on the left-side navigation bar.